Royal Enfield 650 Bear vs BSA B65 Scrambler | 2025 Preview

[@GameOn82]

I think the bear is what guerilla should have looked like. Guerrilla is just too funky and weird for me, especially with those colours. But the bear looks awesome.

[@thatbikersimon]

The great thing is there now plenty of choice to suit all, all the RE bikes I’ve riden recently have been spot on.

[@Brettmotorcycles]

@@thatbikersimonthe guerilla is more intriguing since I own the SM and same engine …this is a way RE saves money but producing the same bike in so many different forms…the bear has some issues with scrambler form, weight, tubed tires, ground clearance. If you compare to 400x much lighter, better ground clearance, tubeless tires, about same HP

[@javijuka1987]

Me encanta el diseño de la guerrilla, pero concuerdo con los colores malos. Me gusta la Guerrilla silver, le tanque, el colín, ect. Y la Bear me gusta también.

[@adityan3208]

The BSA looks well put together gotta say, especially the way the engine casing is designed. It's all esthetically pleasing and detailed compared to the RE.

[@thatbikersimon]

Yes you’ve certainly got to appreciate the thought that’s gone into the design and build process

[@Bikegirl2022]

Definitely the Bear for me love the 249 colour scheme 👍🏼

[@thatbikersimon]

Yes and it comes with a story 👍

[@justbetabbycat]

And😂 you need to live with it

[@davidashdown9496]

Can't decide. I'll have one of each 😜

[@thatbikersimon]

Why not 👍 probably still cheaper than a Ducati scrambler 🏍️💨💨💨

[@davidashdown9496]

@@thatbikersimon Good point.👍

[@AndrewHaines-c2r]

Love the BSA

[@thatbikersimon]

Yes 🙌

[@raymondhague3544]

Just love the single, never owned one before, but the torque is amazing !

[@thatbikersimon]

For a big thumper engine it’s smooth (I’ve ridden the Goldstar recently, Same engine) it’s got a nice amount of torque for the bike that makes it a pleasure to ride.

[@easy4x4]

The Bear wins on tech, finish and quality. Love the green frame. The BSA cause it's a single cylinder and might look more "authentic" ? Will depend on the price and the OTR reviews but RE is bound to sell better due to it being a more established brand

[@thatbikersimon]

BSA I’ve been told £6,500

[@FilmiSwitch]

I prefer single-cylinder engines for their instant pickup and response, which is why I like BSA more. However, Royal Enfield is doing a fantastic job by offering a rugged look, excellent instrument cluster and performance. Both are awesome ✅🦾

[@thatbikersimon]

Good point, thanks for the comment 👍

[@davidcharlton5519]

Ride an interceptor before making that wierd comment filmiswitch?

[@FilmiSwitch]

@@davidcharlton5519 .. I own a Royal Enfield, bro, and have ridden the Interceptor countless times-it's an absolute beast for sure! Recently, I test-rode the new BSA Gold Star 650, and its initial pickup was incredible. You should definitely take a test ride and experience how impressive its engine is. Honestly, for day-to-day use, a bike's initial pickup matters more than its top-end performance.

[@FilmiSwitch]

@@davidcharlton5519 "No hate to the Interceptor, bro-I love it and have ridden it many times. But last month, I tried the BSA Gold Star 650, and it’s amazing! The sound and pickup are next level. 🏆 Just waiting for the BSA Scrambler 650 🗿

[@javijuka1987]

No hay comparación, el sonido y la durabilidad del RE es incomparable y el torque también. Básicamente es un mini Caterpillar.

[@philsmith2346]

I absolutely L9VE the Beezer because I've always loved them. And the Trumpets as well. But the En̈fields gonna be my next ride, over here in the hills of West Virginia!

[@hughmac7423]

I prefer the Bear over the BSA, but I prefer the tires on the BSA.

[@thatbikersimon]

It’s a nice bike indeed 👍

[@LuisMiguelCorralCerdá]

Nice video. I like both bikes. In hot weather countries the BSA with water cooling sistem the engine will ger less hot than the Royal and I think this is a big advantage for the BSA over the Royal.

[@thatbikersimon]

Great point! Thanks for the comment

[@murrayhyde4902]

Need to bring BSA to Australia. We love the enfields here.. But a big 650 single ... nice , Muz from oz

[@thatbikersimon]

I hope they do, that would be amazing for BSA and you guys

[@Rycka1]

Again, Royal Enfield done a great job using their proven platform, that INT Bear looks great ( i realy like all the color scemes shown there ) i could realy see me in the future get one. For BSA styling wise it's ok ( but front headlight to little in my opinion, and no clue about the dashboard ) , but once again to many questions for a revival brand, could ( for curiosity ) try one for a test ride but wont buy one. RE getting better and better, large dealership network around the world ( and examping ), price wise depending on were you live, can be expensive, and that's the case here ( more expensive than an MT07 or a Hornet 750 ), and that's the only blocking point for now.

[@mantarayal]

I'll take the green RE and the yellow BSA please!!

[@thatbikersimon]

That’s the perfect solution 👍

[@samhill3496]

Glad I found your channel. RE is making some very desirable bikes. All good from east Kentucky in the USA. I have mountains in my back yard.

[@thatbikersimon]

Sounds awesome Sam, a back garden fit for a scrambler. Well come to the channel 👍

[@benschofield7565]

The BSA looks a little bit cheap in the metal. Not a criticism really, as it is a cheap bike..but the RE definitely looks more premium. Nobody is off-roading a 215kg street scrambler anyway, so just buy which one you prefer the look of. The aesthetics will be the deciding factor.

[@thatbikersimon]

I don’t anyone will be going off road on theses bikes. The finish on the BSA is good, switch gear feels nice, the engine casing are the same as the goldstar

[@NBMBC40]

Royal Enfield Bear 650 249 is where my money is going there not due in dealers until late Feb 2025 according to my local one.

[@thatbikersimon]

It’s worth the wait, I like the 249 and a great story to go with the colour scheme 👍

[@prasunbose3114]

The bear is for people who don't like rushing things. You can just settle to a speed and keep going all day. The BSA Scram is for someone who likes a little thrill while riding. You can rev it as and when you like. So, although the jonor of both the bikes are same, it will appeal to completely different types of riders.

[@thatbikersimon]

It’s great to have the choice, but that’s the hardest thing, making that decision.

[@Rabbydabbydoo]

Love the comparison videos like this. Perfect for a buyer 😎

[@thatbikersimon]

Thanks I shall bring more to the channel in the future

[@cecilwilson5442]

That's a hard one both are great looking, renowned reliable Enfield scrambler twin ,lighter more power,,or the single with the classic look BSA ,,think 💬💬 my money 🤑 is going on the Royal Enfield scrambler,,👍👍☘️☘️☘️☘️ from northern Ireland

[@thatbikersimon]

Thanks for sharing, tough decisions but I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with either. 👍🏍️💨💨💨💨

[@chrislomas2548]

BSA geezer/rep told me £6700, and 2yrs warranty.....but he was trying to increase that to 4yrs, hoping to have them by may/june 2025.

[@thatbikersimon]

Sounds about right and I think they probably will go for a 4 year warranty to give buyers the confidence to purchase. Thanks for the update buddy 👍

[@JanSpijkerman]

I rode the BSA bike in holland last week en it was amazingly good

[@thatbikersimon]

I thought so to 👍

[@jaide1312]

Unfair, we don't even get the new BSA's here!

[@gsoni79]

Love the way u did a comparison side to side

[@thatbikersimon]

Thanks buddy for the feedback 👍

[@jorgemonegal4994]

I see the BSA a bit nicer, but i had to ride both bikes to see wich one provides the best sensations. Other than that, both bikes looks just amazing.

[@thatbikersimon]

Totally agree, it will be the ride that counts

[@ambrechambers7094]

The BSA won't have in showrooms till 2026! That's if they work at the same speed as they did on the Goldstar. That's in Europe. In US it will never be in any showrooms! So it would be the RE Bear for me!

[@thatbikersimon]

Good point, in the uk they’ve managed to take on lots of showrooms, I’m sure now there up and running they will start to expand.

[@bitey6709]

The bear , like all other REs, will eventually make it's way downunder , but if I thought the BSA was ever going to get here (still waiting for the Goldie) I'd get that.

[@Simon-RucknRideAUD]

Just get both

[@thatbikersimon]

That’s the best option I reckon 👍

[@85waspnest]

Having done a 'Top Trump' comparison, the Bear comes out on top. The only thing that might sway me is if the BSA is at least £1000 cheaper. I wish RE had used a 650cc air cooled single and twin centrally mounted clocks like the Interceptor. I don't care for two tone vertically split LOUD colours on the tank which appear to be the latest fashion for both RE and BSA.

[@thatbikersimon]

It’s a tough choice, their both great bikes, I’m still undecided but will bring both to the channel when I can ride them.

[@KAUSTOV94]

Gt 650 is the best looking bike by RE ever

[@thatbikersimon]

It’s a fact 👍🏍️💨💨💨💨

[@stuartsharpe5513]

The bear was my favourite bike of the show but the bsa looks great and the man said it's going to be £6500 and in showrooms in June so enfield bear is out sooner and a they are making some great bikes for the money.

[@thatbikersimon]

It was interesting to see all the interesting in both bikes, it definitely just comes down to personal preference.

[@Sankara561]

If I were spending £6500 I would go Royal Enfield after BSA's deep discounting destroyed any hope of Goldstar residual value. At least there's an established market and parts availability for interceptor variants, if BSA isn't a lot cheaper to begin with then it won't be worth putting up with the pain of ownership IMO

[@solfest9508]

Been waiting for the BSA since I saw the MrDarcy sneek peek from a few years ago, even sent a message to the local Importer about it. Fingers crossed, it will be on my driveway next year 🤞🏻

[@thatbikersimon]

Yes I watched that video but wasn’t sure if they would follow through. 👍

[@bishopkinlyside8477]

Hi Simon , BSA , we used to say bastard stop again I think they’re going to make sure these are well made

[@thatbikersimon]

lol I like it 👍

[@LRobinson1972]

Look forward to the road test.

[@thatbikersimon]

Me to can’t wait 🏍️💨💨💨💨

[@graemelossey130]

Great vid Simon

[@thatbikersimon]

Thank you 👍

[@ianhalliwell8604]

Whats the BSAs price and what will it be after 12 months, some 2 grand cheaper, might as well wait till then to buy.

[@thatbikersimon]

£6,500 apparently but like all motorcycles if you’re not keen on depreciation, then there’s always a secondhand bargain later down the line.

[@ianhalliwell8604]

@thatbikersimon So like the GoldStar this will soon be selling for under 5 grand in 2026, I'll wait till then

[@MOTOFLIXGARAGE]

I would still prefer BSA over an outdated RE

[@thatbikersimon]

good answer

[@marktorbay]

Can you believe that some showrooms in the USA have had the Bear for over a week now

[@thatbikersimon]

No way really?

[@marktorbay]

@thatbikersimon yup, I watch a utuber called, fuzzy biker in Ohio I think. Ps luv the channel guys, keep it up. Mark

[@marktorbay]

Ps been watching for quite a while now but only just subbed, 👍

[@thatbikersimon]

@ thanks buddy 👍

[@Agasthyar]

I think Bear is the best bike.

[@thatbikersimon]

It’s cool isn’t it

[@brummil]

Hy mate. Defnetly the right bikes for Hammond! 😂

[@thatbikersimon]

He’ll probably still crash it 🏍️💨💨💨

[@joedudz]

BSA is the real deal.

[@thatbikersimon]

Yep 👍

[@kunalkoch3949]

I will pick interceptor 650 over those bikes

[@thatbikersimon]

It’s a great bike I rode it last year 👍

[@kunalkoch3949]

@thatbikersimon yeah , I am thinking to purchase interceptor 650 mark 2 ,its chrome edition looks sexy 😍

[@Gamer_perak]

For me BSA ,

[@thatbikersimon]

Nice one 👍

[@jaggededgeoutdoors3334]

I think I’d trust the proven RE engine out of the two. Really is made like a bullet.

[@thatbikersimon]

Yes but that big single is a thumper

[@Gamer_perak]

BSA IS REAL OG MOTORCYCLE

[@thatbikersimon]

It sure is 👍🏍️💨💨💨💨

[@BlackdogADV]

Bear for me!

[@thatbikersimon]

It’s looks a great bike

[@mldiode]

No BSA dealers in the USA. Two R.E. Dealers in my area (Central Florida Orlando) R.E. for me….

[@thatbikersimon]

That’s interesting, BSA here sell out of my local RE dealership, maybe they will do the same in the US

[@kamehameha90]

Why can't they provide tubeless spoked rims.....as standard....is it that hard

[@thatbikersimon]

Good question I don’t know why that is

[@endianAphones]

Patents and licensing fees is the most likely answer. In terms of machining and material, they're virtually the same cost to make.

[@billcarson4566]

I could like the BSA. But think RE 650 is more engine.

[@thatbikersimon]

I shall bring this to the channel, I’m interested myself 🏍️💨💨💨💨💨

[@joshmaxwell1692]

Is the bsa available in tbe US?

[@thatbikersimon]

Good question, not yet unfortunately, im unsure if they will be or not.

[@hershchat]

In Simon we trust.

[@thatbikersimon]

Thanks 🙏

[@richyrara]

Reckon the B65 will be £6495 when it comes out. Then 3-months later £4495.

[@thatbikersimon]

I’m sure there will be a deprecation on any new motorcycle.

[@RS23545]

if anyone interested in performance comparision between these two engines. you can see some indian riders channels. they have made real life performance comparision videos between re650s and bsa650s

[@MrTeivus]

Hi Im an INTERCEPTOR owner......But here im so sorrrryyy...the BSA is much beauty Have similar sensation as my first meeting the INTERCEPTOR on my smartphone .....want to buy it

[@thatbikersimon]

It’s nice that RE owner can appreciate BSA bikes, after all we want the biking industry to thrive so we all remain to have choices 👍

[@jaide1312]

I wish they'd commit to high pipes and keep the analog gauges, phone connectivity is a waste of time when phone mounts exist, and a screen will never look as good as the real thing.

[@thatbikersimon]

The phone connectivity is always useless on most bike that requires an app. Analog clocks always look nice on this style of bike.

[@duncancleverley6366]

Looks like RE have been super focussed on competing with Triumphs Scrambler 400X… and I sort of understand why, but I wish they had stuck to doing their own thing and not fitted USD gold forks and a TFT.. they’re unnecessary on a low power bike and detract from the Modern Classic vibe. Triumph have made the same mistake with the Speed Twin 1200 clocks.. shame. Excellent video though.. thanks Simon.

[@thatbikersimon]

Thanks Duncan, it’s interesting how the manufacturers approach the market. I wonder how much research goes into asking the bikers what they want to see.

[@MickH60]

A TFT screen is "unnecessary " on a "lower powered bike", oh do explain, this should be good !!!

[@duncancleverley6366]

Why look at a screen.. I spend enough time doing at at work… enjoy the ride, enjoy the sounds, enjoy the sensations of riding.. screens generally are unnecessary on any bikes… but on small bikes they’re pointless in my opinion

[@DeanPatterson-j9q]

Like the Royal Enfield better But , the shifters on both BSA and RE look too far rearward, making a 6’1”rider lean forward. Ok for a while but would get tiresome.

[@531c]

Well over 200 kg for a low powered scrambler!

[@user-hf8ie8mf3n]

They’re both kind of fun looking bikes. Can’t lose with either. Nice. 👍🤪🏳️‍🌈

[@thatbikersimon]

You got that right! And not overly priced 👍🏍️💨💨💨💨

[@Jiyu0013]

The Title of this video should be Siddhartha Lal VS Anand Mahindra 😜

[@thatbikersimon]

lol maybe so

[@ogasi1798]

biggest fuc7 up from RE - they are not bringing the sunshine yellow paint job to the uk, very odd as that is the best looking paint

[@srhintz]

RE gives a lot of bang for the buck but that BSA is gorgeous. You would be hard pressed to find a dealer here in the states though. I'll take a used Triumph Scrambler with real off-road suspension.

[@thatbikersimon]

I think most people are unlikely to ride these off road in the uk. RE are doing very well and BSA I think will, now there up and running. Triumph and Ducati have great scramblers too, but as you know you’ll need to big deeper into the pocket.

[@enchantingstayskodai]

Put the Bear 650 engine in the bsa 650 then perfect

[@thatbikersimon]

The thumping 652cc single is a good engine 🏍️💨💨💨💨💨💨

[@enchantingstayskodai]

@thatbikersimon yes but the twin cylinder 270 degree crank sound 🤌🏼

[@chrro466]

I’d take the triumph 400x over these two anyday. Way lighter and not a great deal more power from these 650’s.

[@thatbikersimon]

Very true, I’ve riden that bike and it’s fun

[@chrro466]

@ did you spot any new versions of Yamahas venerable XT500??😀. That’s the one I’m waiting for but I’m guessing I’ll be dead before I see that !!!

[@randomguy9893]

£6500 for the BSA, from my dealer.

[@thatbikersimon]

Thanks for the update 👍

[@sindhutaradotcom9223]

Now available in Nepal ?

[@thatbikersimon]

Not sure 🤔

[@Beardman35]

Every bike company wants to be ROYAL ENFIELD now a days 😂😂😂 HONDA TRIUMPH JAWA YEJDI AND NOW BSA 😂😂

[@davidbarnes7150]

id sooner have a yamaha xsr 700 with nobble tyres on..now £6000.00 new

[@thatbikersimon]

That’s a great price 👍

[@chrisperrott5457]

The Enfield isn''t air cooled, it has a radiator.

[@thatbikersimon]

Its air/ oil cooled

[@saaamaak]

Last comparo pending... suspensions

[@apmikalogran]

Ok re for me

[@thatbikersimon]

Good choice 👍

[@thra5herxb12s]

Neither one could be called suitable for scrambling, but I suppose they would be ok for the wannabees that dont know what deep mud looks like.

[@thatbikersimon]

I think most will only ride on road and maybe a light trail, not me though when I get my hands on them, they won’t be looking that clean for long 👍🏍️💨💨💨💨

[@luisaraujo4842]

Que hermosas motos en mi juventud e tenido marcas como BSA , ROYAL , TRIUMPH , VELOCCETE, AJS era fanatico de motos inglesas y eran de los años 1950 con más de 35 años la usaba todos los dias mecánica sencilla y confiable las reparaba yo mismo hoy con 64 años tengo la meteor 350 y va muy bien para lo que es pensaba pasarme a una 650 de royal y que lastima en Argentina no hay BSA si no creo no dudaría un solo cilindro en esa versión debe ser un placer total más para quienes nos gustan este tipo de motos .

[@MickH60]

Really ? I'm considering modifying a Bear to travel round Australia, been riding for 45 years, owned over 40 bikes, I guarantee you I can make that bear do mud mate....

[@florme6494]

@@MickH60impressive, as a fellow Australian I’m surprised you would want to complete a long trip like that without a screen and wind/weather protection. My neck starts to hurt after a long day of riding. When it rains heavy it’s brutal to be on a naked bike. Kudus to you. I personally would much rather do that trip on a Himi.

[@ChrisMason-q4w]

I will keep my Yamaha XSR 700.🙂

[@thatbikersimon]

Good choice

[@MickH60]

Butt ugly compared to these two, and a completely different bike...

[@ChrisMason-q4w]

@@MickH60 😭stop it you are offending me 😭😂.

[@RajKumar-gv9ej]

Paid videos

[@thatbikersimon]

I wish 😂 !! only KZbin ads

[@xtc2v]

I'd never buy any bike that had tubed tyres and crappy twin shocks. I thought we left that rubbish back in the 1970's

[@thra5herxb12s]

It's not for you though is it.

[@thatbikersimon]

lol I heard back in the 70s the bikes Would buck you out the seat on a bump, there’s some good cheap aftermarket up grade options for suspension for thses bikes.

[@xtc2v]

@@thatbikersimon Nothing fixes a twin shocks short comings. Mono has superior range of travel due to the linkage, a rigid swinging arm and lower un-srung weight. Not to mention twin shocks make panniers stick out stupidly wide. The upgrades are not "good" .......more a bit less appalling than the originals🙂

[@xtc2v]

@@thra5herxb12s A tube letting go of all its air suddenly at 70 mph leaving me fight the wobble caused by a flat front tyre. In my terror I remember the word SCANIA in my mirror on the truck behind. He would never be able to stop in time if I went down. My life is worth more than buying a bike because its cheap

[@thatbikersimon]

@ Fair points! There’s no denying the technical advantages of a monoshock setup. That said, twin shocks do have their charm-whether it’s the retro aesthetics or the simplicity of the design. For some riders, it’s more about the character and feel than outright performance. And yes, while the upgrades may not be revolutionary, they can make a noticeable difference, especially for those who appreciate the classic style but want a bit more comfort and usability. Always good to hear different perspectives!

[@iangorman6153]

Have. a scram and two Hinckley triumphs trident 900 and 790 speedmaster for me the bear was an awesome looking bike then the bsa released for me the bsa

[@mrcoolrv]

I think i will get married with one of these .. hard choice to make for a life partner 😂😂😂😂❤❤❤

[@thatbikersimon]

lol 👍

[@Jiyu0013]

The Title of this video should be Siddhartha Lal VS Anand Mahindra 😜

[@thatbikersimon]

True 👍